BOND | Bucky Barnes

Depression pizza

Elena whistled. "You look sharp, Dad."

Frank just grumbled. "You're turning your old man into a dress-up doll."

The girl handed him the bouquet of blue flowers. "Don't forget to pull out the chair for her."

"I'm not stepping out of the cave for the first time, knock it off."

Fury, quietly reading a book on the couch, mumbled, "It is the first time, isn't it? That's funny, I thought it was."

"Watch it..."

Elena linked her arm with his. "Say hi to Madani for me," she said as she led him to the front door of the villa that had been swapped out the night before. She kissed his cheek. "Have fun, Punisher."

"Hey!" Frank didn't like it when Elena called him that. "What happened to 'Dad'?"

"Have fun, Dad."

"You too," Frank said, kissing the top of her head. "Don't forget your gun and pepper spray."

"Oh my God! I'm meeting Captain America, not a hardened criminal."

"Men are animals, pumpkin. I don't care if it's Captain America or Captain of the Whole Solar System."

"Dad!"

Frank chuckled as he walked out the door, having successfully annoyed Elena. She hurried back inside and immediately grabbed her phone, ignoring the disapproving glance Fury gave her from under his glasses. "Karen? Hey! At the restaurant I texted you the address for. Yes. Big news. I reserved a table for you so you don't attract attention. I'll be a little late. Please dress according to the dress code. A dress. Yes. See you there."

After she hung up, she looked over at Fury, who was peering at her over his book. "What?"

"Getting involved in Frank's love life like this is not healthy."

"He meddles in mine!" the girl shrieked, almost letting something slip.

"What does that mean?" Fury asked.

"Uh... He told me to carry a gun while meeting Steve. He's driving me crazy."

"I don't know about that, but did you have to go on this date today? I'd prefer if you stayed home and rested, Elena. Not that I have any issue with Steve. Unlike your last boyfriend, he's approved."

"I only dated Loki for a few months. You don't have to keep bringing it up."

"He tried to take over New York—actually, wait, the world."

"I saw the good in him, Dad."

"Elena, there is no good in him. He's pitch black inside."

"You wouldn't know because you never dated him..."

The doorbell rang, and they exchanged glances. As Elena tiptoed upstairs, Fury eagerly said, "I'll get it."

When Steve walked in holding Elena's favorite white peonies, Fury grinned. "You didn't hear about the flowers from me."

"Don't worry, I'll say I guessed."

"I hope all this isn't too much for you, Steve. But I'm sure you'll understand one day when you have a daughter of your own."

Steve couldn't help the smile spreading across his face. God! He could already picture a tiny girl running after him, calling him 'Dad.' "I hope I will, Fury. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Dad! Did you answer the door?" Elena was rushing down the stairs in a panic.

Fury, watching her run, remarked, "I'm still amazed at how she can run in heels."